Ferrari seems on track ahead of its 2023 race debut after the 296 GT3 shakedown in Fiorano. The model, which has been teased in rendering format, has finally gotten its first taste of tarmac under its tyres and adorned in red and black camouflage.
Fortunately, the camo wrap isn’t all concealing and the new Ferrari challenger is obviously visible underneath the optical illusion. With expert drivers such as Alessandro Pier Guidi and Andrea Bertolini handling the duties during the day, the new V6 turbo contender provided the famed Italian racing manufacturer with confidence after Head of Ferrari Attivita Sportive GT Antonello Coletta concluded saying: “The car has an intense testing program ahead of it, but we’ve already had some good feedback from this first session.”
This will be the first Ferrari race car to be built by manufacturer ORECA, who have extensive experience in the industry. The 296 GT3 shakedown consisted of dozens of technicians and officials to oversee runnings went smoothly but two-time World Endurance Championship GT title winner Alessandro Pier Guidi and four-time FIA GT1 winner and endurance veteran Andrea Bertolini were the fortunate Ferrari pilots who managed to get the mileage behind their belt.
With great success found in the 488 GT3, the Italian marque chose not to develop a racing version of the 296 predecessor; the F8 Tributo. Instead, the 488 underwent evolutions which kept it relevant and competitive. The 296 GT3 will mark the first V6 powered Ferrari race car in recent memory. Regulations state that it will have to ditch its hybrid system however more recent technology should mean that the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 should match the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.
After the 296 GT3 shakedown, we know that Ferrari still plans to fully reveal the model later this year ahead of its 2023 racing debut.
